EP0270303B1 - Filterzusammenbau - Google Patents

Filterzusammenbau Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0270303B1
EP0270303B1 EP87310420A EP87310420A EP0270303B1 EP 0270303 B1 EP0270303 B1 EP 0270303B1 EP 87310420 A EP87310420 A EP 87310420A EP 87310420 A EP87310420 A EP 87310420A EP 0270303 B1 EP0270303 B1 EP 0270303B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
shell
filter
filter assembly
casing
end cap
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP87310420A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0270303A2 (de
EP0270303A3 (en
Inventor
Clayton Lewis Reed
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Pall Corp
Original Assignee
Pall Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Pall Corp filed Critical Pall Corp
Publication of EP0270303A2 publication Critical patent/EP0270303A2/de
Publication of EP0270303A3 publication Critical patent/EP0270303A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0270303B1 publication Critical patent/EP0270303B1/de
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01JCHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J19/00Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
    • B01J19/0053Details of the reactor
    • B01J19/0073Sealings
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01DSEPARATION
    • B01D35/00Filtering devices having features not specifically covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D33/00, or for applications not specifically covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D33/00; Auxiliary devices for filtration; Filter housing constructions
    • B01D35/30Filter housing constructions
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01JCHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J19/00Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
    • B01J19/02Apparatus characterised by being constructed of material selected for its chemically-resistant properties
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17CVESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C1/00Pressure vessels, e.g. gas cylinder, gas tank, replaceable cartridge
    • F17C1/16Pressure vessels, e.g. gas cylinder, gas tank, replaceable cartridge constructed of plastics materials
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01DSEPARATION
    • B01D2201/00Details relating to filtering apparatus
    • B01D2201/30Filter housing constructions
    • B01D2201/301Details of removable closures, lids, caps, filter heads
    • B01D2201/302Details of removable closures, lids, caps, filter heads having inlet or outlet ports
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01DSEPARATION
    • B01D2201/00Details relating to filtering apparatus
    • B01D2201/30Filter housing constructions
    • B01D2201/307Filtering elements contained in an insert body mounted in a filter housing (double casing), e.g. to avoid contamination when removing or replacing the filter element
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01DSEPARATION
    • B01D2201/00Details relating to filtering apparatus
    • B01D2201/40Special measures for connecting different parts of the filter
    • B01D2201/403Special measures for connecting different parts of the filter allowing dilatation, e.g. by heat
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01JCHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J2219/00Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
    • B01J2219/02Apparatus characterised by their chemically-resistant properties
    • B01J2219/025Apparatus characterised by their chemically-resistant properties characterised by the construction materials of the reactor vessel proper
    • B01J2219/0295Synthetic organic materials

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to filter assemblies including a generally cylindrical shell containing a porous filter element.
  • a high pressure or high temperature fluid maintained within or flowing through a shell may exert considerable force on the shell.
  • a shell must not only be chemically compatible with the fluid, but it must also have sufficient structural strength to withstand forces due to high pressures or temperatures.
  • plastics may be very inert and, therefore, would not chemically react with the fluid, many plastics stretch or elongate unduly under increased pressure or temperature. This can create structural weaknesses in the container.
  • metals may have sufficient structural strength to withstand the forces exerted by the fluid, most metals chemically react with fluids such as strong acids or agressive solvents. This can damage the shell and contaminate the fluid.
  • shells combining metal and plastic materials may be unusable. These shells may have a plastic liner welded to the inside of a metal tank. As the pressure or temperature of the fluid increases, the plastic liner may be forced to expand but have no room for expansion within the rigid metal tank. This can cause the plastic liner to buckle within the tank, creating structural weaknesses in the container and potentially blocking the flow of fluid through the shell.
  • the present invention provides an improved shell.
  • a shell embodying the present invention may be configured to compensate for expansion due to the effect of a high pressure or a high temperature fluid.
  • US-A-3405805 discloses a filter assembly in which a filter element is enclosed in a casing. One end of the filter element engages a rib provided at one end of the casing while the other end engages a flange provided on a core.
  • US-A-3270884 discloses a filter assembly in which two filter elements are contained within a generally cylindrical casing. One end of each element engages an end cap provided in a cylindrical portion of the casing. The other end of each element is supported by a head which provides an inlet for liquid to be filtered and an outlet for filtered liquid.
  • US-A-3557827 discloses a pressure vessel including a cylindrical shell and a pair of end caps that fit onto the opposite ends of the shell. An inlet is provided at one end of the shell.
  • DE-A-2538443 discloses a pressure vessel with an inner shell.
  • the shell terminates at an inlet where an end piece and a connector are provided.
  • the present invention provides a filter assembly for removing one or more substances from a fluid flowing through the filter assembly, the filter assembly comprising a rigid casing, a generally cylindrical shell disposed within the rigid casing and having first and second end portions, an end cap disposed at one of said portions of the shell, a porous filter element disposed within the shell adjacent to the end cap, the filter element including upstream and downstream surfaces and means for directing fluid from the upstream surface to the downstream surface and inlet and outlet means for channeling the fluid into the shell to the upstream surface of the filter element and for channeling the fluid from the downstream surface of the filter element out of the shell, respectively, characterized in that the shell has at least one of said end portions having a continuously decreasing outside diameter along the axis of the shell, two end caps being provided and being sealingly disposed at the first and second portions of the shell respectively.
  • a first exemplary fluid container 100 generally comprises a fluid vessel 101 that contains the fluid and a support structure 102 that is fitted around the vessel 101 to provide structural support.
  • the fluid vessel 101 comprises a generally cylindrical shell 103 and opposite end caps 104, 105.
  • the shell 103 includes opposite end portions 106, 107, each having a continuously decreasing outside diameter along the axis A of the shell 103.
  • the end caps 104, 105 may be configured generally conically, i.e., such that the outside diameter decreases generally linearly.
  • a line extending tangentially along either of the end portions 106, 107 to the axis A may intersect the axis A at any suitable angle, including, for example, 22.5 degrees.
  • the end caps 104, 105 are sealed to and disposed adjacent to the end portions 106, 107 of the shell 103, being disposed within and integrally formed with the end portions 106, 107.
  • Each end cap 104, 105 has inwardly and outwardly facing surfaces 110, 111 which are generally perpendicular to the axis A of the shell 103.
  • a protrusion 112 extends coaxially outwardly from each end cap 104, 105 and, in the first exemplary container 100, has a continuously decreasing outside diameter along the axis A of the shell 103.
  • the protrusions 112 may also be configured conically, i.e., such that the diameter of each protrusion 112 decreases generally linearly.
  • a line extending tangentially along the protrusion 112 to the axis A may intersect the axis A at any suitable angle, including, for example, 22.5 degrees.
  • Each protrusion 112 also has an opening 113 extending through the end cap 104, 105 and allowing fluid to flow between the interior and the exterior of the shell 103.
  • Suitable connectors, such as internal threads 114, allow the fluid vessel 101 to be connected to fluid supply and discharge lines (not shown).
  • the various components of the fluid vessel 101 may be fashioned from many suitably impervious materials, they are preferably fashioned from thermoplastic or polymeric materials which are capable of expanding, for example, because they elongate significantly under pressure or because they have high thermal coefficients of expansion.
  • thermoplastic or polymeric materials which are capable of expanding, for example, because they elongate significantly under pressure or because they have high thermal coefficients of expansion.
  • the thermoplastic material should also be particularly resistant to the destructive effects of the fluid.
  • Such expandable and resistant thermoplastic materials include fluorocarbons such as FEP or PFA.
  • FEP is a copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and hexafluoropropylene
  • PFA is a copolymer combining a carbon-fluorine main chain with perfluoroalkoxy (PFA) side chains or, more specifically, a copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and perfluorinated vinyl ether.
  • PFA perfluoroalkoxy
  • the support structure 102 may be fashioned from any suitably strong, rigid material, including stainless steel or aluminum.
  • the support structure 102 comprises a casing 115 which fits around the shell 103 of the fluid vessel 101, partially or totally enclosing the shell 103.
  • the casing 115 includes first and second end portions 116, 117 arranged proximate to the first and second end portions 106, 107, respectively, of the shell 103, each end portion 116, 117 of the casing 115 having a continuously decreasing outside diameter along the axis A of the shell 103 which corresponds to the continuously decreasing outside diameter of the end portion 106, 107 of the shell 103.
  • the support structure 102 further includes an end restraint 120, 121 mounted to each end portion 116, 117 of the casing 115.
  • the end restraints 120, 121 are integrally formed with the end portions 116, 117 of the casing 115.
  • the end restraints 120, 121 each have an inwardly facing surface 122 which is generally perpendicular to the axis A of the shell 103 and faces the outwardly facing surface 111 of the end caps 104, 105.
  • An axial protrusion 123 extends outwardly from each end restraint 120, 121 and is arranged proximate to the protrusions 112 of the end caps 104, 105.
  • Each protrusion 123 of the end restaints 120, 121 has a continuously decreasing inside diameter along the axis A of the shell 103 which corresponds to the continuously decreasing outside diameter of the protrusions 112 of the end caps 104, 105.
  • An opening 124 in each protrusion 123 of the end restraints 120, 121 communicates with the opening 113 in each protrusion 112 of the end caps 104, 105, allowing the fluid vessel 101 to be connected to supply and discharge lines (not shown) through the support structure 102.
  • the casing 115 of the first exemplary container 100 includes two casing sections 125, 126. Each casing section 125, 126 terminates at one end with an end portions 116, 117 of the casing 115 and at the other end with a radially outwardly extending flange 127, 128.
  • the flanges 127, 128 abut one another, and a releasable clamp mechanism 130 is disposed about the abutted flanges 127, 128 to allow the casing 115 to be releasably mounted about the shell 103.
  • supply and discharge lines are threaded to the threaded connectors 114 of the end caps 104, 105 of the fluid vessel 101.
  • the fluid vessel 101 is preferably dimensioned to be a loose fit within the support structure 102 prior to charging the vessel 101 with fluid (actual tolerances between the fluid vessel 101 and the support structure 102 are exaggerated for purposes of illustration in Figures 1 and 3). This not only allows the fluid vessel 101 to be easily inserted into the support structure 102, but it also avoids the expensive machining that would be necessary for close tolerances.
  • the shell 103 of the fluid vessel 101 expands radially against the casing 115 of the support structure 102 due to the pressure of the fluid, the temperature of the fluid, or both, as shown in Figure 3. In this manner, the radial forces of expansion on the fluid vessel 101 are transmitted to the support structure 102 where they are resisted by circumferential tension in the rigid casing 115.
  • the fluid vessel 101 also expands axially. As the fluid vessel 101 expands axially, the end portions 106, 107 of the shell 103 are forced against and axially along the end portions 116, 117 of the casing 115, as shown in Figure 4. Since the end portions 116, 117 of the casing 115 have continuously decreasing inside diameters along the axis A of the shell 103, the force of axial expansion of the fluid vessel 101 is resisted by the axial component of reactive forces in the end portions 116, 117 of the casing 115.
  • a radial component of this reactive force is exerted inwardly by the end portions 116, 117 of the casing 115 on the end portions 106, 107 of the shell 103 and, hence, on the end caps 104, 105.
  • This inwardly directed radial force which increases with the axial expansion of the fluid vessel 101, prevents undue bending stresses at the junction of the shell 103 and the end caps 104, 105 which can rupture a conventional fluid vessel. It also tightens the threaded connection 114 of the end caps 104, 105 around the supply and discharge lines (not shown).
  • the protrusions 123 on the end restraints 120, 121 cooperate with the protrusions 112 on the end caps 104, 105 in a manner analogous to the manner in which the end portions 116, 117 of the casing 115 cooperate with the end portions 106, 107 of the shell 103.
  • the protrusions 123 of the rigid end restraints 120, 121 exert a reactive force on the protrusions 112 of the end caps 104, 105, and this reactive force has an axial component, which resists further axial expansion of the fluid vessel 101, and a radial component, which tightens the threaded connections 114 of the end caps 104, 105 around the supply and discharge lines (not shown).
  • the axial extension of the end portions 116, 117 of the case 115 and the axial extension of the protrusions 123 of the end caps 104, 105 are preferably sufficient to prevent the outwardly facing surfaces 111 of the end caps 104, 105 from contacting the inwardly facing surfaces 122 of the end restrains 120, 121 during normal operating pressures or temperatures.
  • This allows the fluid vessel 101 room to expand within the support structure 102 with increasing pressures or temperatures and, therefore, prevents the fluid vessel 101 from buckling.
  • the rigid end restraints 120, 121 serve to limit the axial expansion of the fluid vessel during abnormal pressures or temperatures.
  • a second exemplary filter container 200 also includes a fluid vessel 201 and a support structure 202.
  • components of the second exemplary container 200 which are analogous to components of the first exemplary container 100 are identified by reference numerals which are one hundred greater than the reference numerals of the analogous components of the first exemplary container 100.
  • a fluid vessel 201 of the second exemplary container 200 is similar to that of the first exemplary container 100.
  • the end caps 204, 205 of the second exemplary container 200 do include protrusions 212, the protrusions 212 are preferably not conical.
  • the end caps 204, 205 are sealed to and disposed adjacent to the end portions 206, 207 on the shell 203, the end caps 204, 205 are not integrally formed with nor fixedly joined to the end portions 206, 207. Rather, the end caps 204, 205 remain free to slide axially along the shell 203.
  • the inside diameter of the end portions 206, 207 of the shell 203 continuously decreases in a manner corresponding to the outside diameter of the end portions 206, 207.
  • the maximum diameter of the end caps 204, 205 is greater than the maximum inside diameter of the shell 203.
  • the inwardly facing surface 210 of each end cap 204, 205 has a circular groove 231. This groove 231 defines a sealing portion 232 along the periphery of each end cap 204, 205 which may be resiliently compressed, decreasing the maximum diameter of the end cap 204, 205 and allowing the end cap 204, 205 to fit within the shell 203.
  • each end cap 204, 205 may have a peripheral groove which contains an O-ring (not shown).
  • the support structure 202 of the second exemplary container 200 is similar to that of the first exemplary container 100. However, the end restraints 220, 221 of the second exemplary container 200 have no protrusions. Further, the support structure 202 has no clamping mechanism. Instead, the abutting flanges 227, 228 are fixedly joined to one another, for example, by interlocking the flanges 227, 228 and, therefore, the fluid vessel 201 is not separately disposable. Another difference between the support structures 102, 202 of the first and second exemplary containers 100, 200 are circumferential constrictions 231 in the casing 215 of the second exemplary container 200.
  • the circumferential constrictions 231 are positioned near the end portions 216, 217 of the casing 215 and serve to prevent the end caps 204, 205 from being inadvertently moved axially inwardly away from the end portions 216, 217 of the casing 215 during shipping or installation.
  • the end caps 204, 205 are inserted into the shell 203 before the end portions 206, 207 are formed and are forced back along the axis A toward the center portion of the shell 203.
  • the end portions 206, 207 of the shell 203 are then formed.
  • the fluid vessel 201 is then placed within the support structure 202 and the abutting flanges 227, 228 are fixedly joined.
  • the end caps 204, 205 are pulled axially in opposite directions over the constrictions 231 and into engagement with the end portions 206, 207 of the shell 203.
  • the constrictions 231 are dimensioned to resist inadvertent movement but to allow forcing the end caps against the end portions 206, 207 of the shell 203.
  • the preferred mode of operation of the second exemplary container 200 is similar to that of the first exemplary container 100.
  • the end portions 216, 217 of the casing 215 thus exert a reactive force that has an axial component, which resists further axial sliding by the end caps 204, 205, and that has an inwardly directed radial component which tightens the threaded connections 214 around the supply and discharge lines (not shown).
  • the third exemplary container embodying the invention constitutes a filter assembly 300, as shown in Figure 6.
  • the exemplary filter assembly 300 also includes a fluid vessel 301 and a support structure 302 and further includes a filter element 334.
  • Components of the exemplary filter assembly 300 which are analogous to components of the first exemplary container 100 are identified by reference numerals which are two hundred greater than the reference numerals of the analogous components of the first exemplary container 100.
  • the fluid vessel 301 of the exemplary filter assembly 300 is similar to that of the first exemplary container 100. However, while the end caps 304, 305 are sealed to and disposed adjacent to the end portions 306, 307 of the shell 303, the end caps 304, 305 are not integrally formed with the end portions 306, 307. Rather, the end caps 304, 305 are fixedly joined to the end portions 306, 307 of the shell 303 by any conventional means, such as heat sealing or an adhesive. Further, the end caps 304, 305 of the exemplary filter assembly 300 have no protrusions.
  • the support structure 302 of the exemplary filter assembly 300 is also similar to that of the first exemplary container 100. However, the end restraints 320, 321 of the exemplary filter assembly 300 have no protrusions. Further, the support structure 302 has no clamping mechanism, the abutting flanges 327, 328 being fixedly joined to one another similar to the support structure 202 of the second exemplary container 200.
  • the filter element may be variously configured and may be structured to remove any of a variety of substances from the fluid without departing from the scope of the invention.
  • the filter element may be configured as a solid cylinder sealed against the shell 303 to direct fluid axially through the filter element.
  • the filter element may be structured to include a sorbent material to sorb one or more components from the pressurized fluid.
  • the supply line (not shown) may be attached to the threaded connector 314 of the second end cap 305 while the discharge line (not shown) may be attached to the threaded connector 314 of the first end cap 304.
  • the filter element 334 then preferably includes a hollow, cylindrical filter 335 surrounding a perforated core 336.
  • the outside, or upstream, surface 340 of the filter 335 then communicates with the supply line (not shown) via the opening 313 in the second end cap 305 while the inside, or downstream, surface 341 of the filter 335 communicates with the discharge line (not shown) via the opening 313 in the first end cap 304.
  • the perforated core 336 serves to support the filter 335 against the differential pressure across the upstream and downstream surfaces 340, 341 of the filter 335.
  • Both the filter 335 and the perforated core 336 are joined at one end to a blind end cover 342.
  • the other end of the filter 335 and the core 336 are preferably coaxially joined directly to the first end cap 304, the opening 313 in the first end cap 304 communicating directly with the interior of the hollow filter element 334.
  • the filter 335 and the core 336 may be joined to a separate annular end cap which is in turn mounted to the first end cap 304.
  • the filter 335 and the perforated core 336 may be joined to the first end cap 304 and the blind end cover 342 in any suitable manner, for example, by an adhesive or by heat sealing.
  • the filter 335 may include any suitably porous filter medium which is fabricated from a material compatible with the fluid being filtered.
  • the filter may include a porous membrane or a microfibrous, non-pleated cylindrical filter medium such as that available from Pall Corporation under the trademark PROFILE.
  • the filter 335 comprises a composite including a nonwoven microfibrous layer disposed upstream and downstream from one or two layers of a microporous membrane.
  • the membrane preferably has an absolute pore rating in the range from about 0.1 micrometer to about 1.0 micrometer for filtering submicronic particles.
  • the upstream and downstream microfibrous layers provide support and drainage for the membrane.
  • the composite filter 335 is preferably arranged in a longitudinally plated configuration to increase the upstream surface area 340 of the filter.
  • the filter element may be fashioned from any suitable material compatible with the fluid being filtered.
  • the filter element 334, as well as the fluid vessel 301 is preferably fashioned from a fluoropolymeric material.
  • the perforated core 336 and the blind end cover 342 may be fashioned from a PFA.
  • the microporous membrane is preferably fashioned from a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), such membranes being commercially available under the trademark EMFLON from Pall Corporation.
  • PTFE polytetrafluoroethylene
  • the nonwoven microfibrous support and drainage layers are preferably fashioned from PTFE fibers bonded by FEP.
  • the preferred mode of operation of the exemplary filter assembly 300 is analogous to that of the first exemplary container 100.
  • the supply and discharge lines (not shown) are threaded to the threaded connectors 314 of the end caps 304, 305 and the fluid vessel 301 is charged with fluid.
  • a vent 340 with a threaded bore 341 allows air to be bled from the fluid vessel 301.
  • the vent 340 may then be sealed with a threaded plug (not shown).
  • the fluid vessel 301 expands radially and axially against the rigid casing 315 of the support structure 302.
  • the end caps 304, 305 are forced against and axially along the end portions 316, 317 of the rigid casing 315.
  • the end portions 316, 317 of the casing 315 then exert a reactive force that has an axial component which resists further axial expansion of the fluid vessel 301 and that has an inwardly directed radial component which prevents undue bending stresses at the junction of the shell 303 and the end caps 304, 305 and which tightens the threaded connections 314 around the supply and discharge lines (not shown).
  • fluid flowing through the exemplary filter assembly 300 enters through the inlet opening 313 in the second end cap 305, flows into the shell 303 around the filter element 334, and then passes radially inwardly through the filter 335 where one or more substances are removed. From the interior of the filter element 334, the fluid flows axially through the filter element 334 and then exits the exemplary filter assembly 300 through the outlet opening 313 in the first end cap 304. Alternatively, the fluid may be directed through the opening 313 in the first end cap 304, radially outwardly through the filter 335 into the shell 303, and then through the opening 313 in the second end cap 305. For a radially outward flow through the filter element 334, certain well known structural changes may be required of the filter element, including the addition of a perforated cage disposed coaxially about the filter 335.
  • the entire exemplary filter assembly 300 may be replaced.
  • abutting flanges joined by a clamp mechanism similar to those of the first exemplary container 100 would allow the support structure 302 to be disassembled and a new fluid vessel 301 and filter element 334 installed.
  • a reusable support structure would be highly economical.

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Separation Using Semi-Permeable Membranes (AREA)

Claims (22)

  1. Filterzusammenbau zum Abscheiden von einer oder mehrerer Substanzen aus einem Fluid, die durch den Filterzusammenbau fließen, wobei der Filterzusammenbau aufweist: ein steiles Gehäuse (102; 202; 302), eine im allgemeinen zylindrische Hülle (103; 203; 303), die innerhalb des steifen Gehäuses (102; 202; 302) angeordnet ist und einen ersten und einen zweiten Endabschnitt (106, 107; 206, 207; 306, 307) hat, eine Endkappe (104, 105; 204, 205; 304, 305), die an einen der Abschnitte (106, 107; 206, 207; 306, 307) der Hülle (103; 203; 303) angeordnet ist, ein poröses Filterelement (335), das innerhalb der Hülle neben der Endkappe angeordnet ist, wobei das Filterelement eine stromaufwärtige und eine stromabwärtige Oberfläche und Einrichtungen zum Richten des Fluids von der stromaufwärtigen Oberfläche zu der stromabwärtigen Oberfläche und eine Einlaß- und Auslaßeinrichtung (113) zum Kanalisieren des Fluides in die Hülle zu der stromaufwärtigen Oberfläche des Filterelementes bzw. zum Kanalisieren des Fluids von der stromabwärtigen Oberfläche des Filterelementes aus der Hülle heraus aufweist,
       dadurch gekennzeichnet,
    daß die Hülle mindestens einen der Endabschnitte (106, 107; 206, 207; 306, 307) hat, der einen entlang der Achse der Hülle (103; 203; 303) sich kontinuierlich verringernden Außendurchmesser aufweist, wobei zwei Endkappen (104, 105; 204, 205; 304, 305) vorgesehen sind und dichtend an dem ersten bzw. an dem zweiten Abschnitt (106, 107; 206, 207; 306, 307) der Hülle angeordnet ist.
  2. Filterzusammenbau gemäß Anspruch 1, bei dem das Filterelement einen hohlen Filter (335) mit einem ersten und einem zweiten Ende und einer Blind-Endabdeckung (342), das an das zweite Ende des Filters montiert ist, aufweist, wobei das erste Ende des Filters an die erste Endkappe (104; 204; 304) montiert ist.
  3. Filterzusammenbau gemäß Anspruch 2, bei dem die stromaufwärtige und die stromabwärtige Oberfläche des Filterelementes (335) die äußere bzw. die innere Oberfläche (340, 341) des Filters aufweist, und bei dem das Filterelement (335) des weiteren eine perforierte zylindrische Struktur (336) aufweist, die neben der inneren Oberfläche (341) des Filters zum Abstützen des Filters angeordnet ist.
  4. Filterzusammenbau gemäß Anspruch 2, bei dem der Filter (335) ein Komposit aufweist mit mindestens einer Schicht einer mikroporösen Filtereinrichtung, die zwischen einer stromaufwärtigen und einer stromabwärtigen mikrofaserigen Schicht zum Stützen und Drainieren der Membran angeordnet ist.
  5. Filterzusammenbau gemäß Anspruch 4, bei dem die Hülle (103; 203; 303), die erste und die zweite Endkappe (104, 105; 204, 205; 304, 305) und das Filterelement (335) jeweils aus einem fluorpolymeren Material ausgebildet sind.
  6. Filterzusammenbau gemäß Anspruch 5, bei dem die Hülle (103; 203; 303), die erste und die zweite Endkappe (104, 105; 204, 205; 304, 305), die perforierte Abstützstruktur (336) und die Blind-Endabdeckung (342) aus einem PFA ausgebildet sind und bei dem die Membranschicht und die nichtverwebten Mikrofaserschichten aus PTFE ausgebildet sind.
  7. Filterzusammenbau gemäß Anspruch 2, bei dem die stromaufwärtige bzw. die stromabwärtige Oberfläche des Filterelementes die äußere und die innere Oberfläche (340, 341) des Filters einschließen, wobei die Einlaßeinrichtung eine Öffnung (113; 213; 313) in der zweiten Endkappe (105; 205; 305) aufweist, die mit der äußeren Oberfläche des Filters (335) kommuniziert, und wobei die Auslaßeinrichtung eine Öffnung (113; 213; 313) in der ersten Endkappe (104; 204; 304) aufweist, die mit der inneren Oberfläche (341) des Filters kommuniziert.
  8. Filterzusammenbau gemäß Anspruch 1, bei dem das steife Gehäuse (102; 202; 302) koaxial um die Hülle (103; 203; 303) angeordnet ist und einen ersten und einen zweiten Endabschnitt (116, 117; 216, 217; 316, 317) hat, die zusammenwirkend mit dem ersten bzw. dem zweiten Endabschnitt (106, 107; 206, 207; 306, 307) der Hülle (103; 203; 303) angeordnet sind, wobei der Endabschnitt des Gehäuses zusammenwirkend mit dem Endabschnitt der Hülle angeordnet ist, die einen kontinuierlich sich verringernden Außendurchmesser mit einem entsprechend kontinuierlich sich verringernden Innendurchmesser hat.
  9. Filterzusammenbau gemäß Anspruch 8, der des weiteren eine lösbare Einrichtung (130) zum Montieren des Gehäuses um die Hülle aufweist.
  10. Filterzusammenbau gemäß Anspruch 9, bei dem die lösbare Einrichtung einen Klemmechanismus (130) aufweist.
  11. Filterzusammenbau gemäß Anspruch 10, bei dem das Gehäuse (102; 202; 302) einen ersten bzw. einen zweiten zylindrischen Abschnitt (125, 126; 225, 226; 325, 326) aufweist, die an einem Ende mit dem ersten und mit dem zweiten Endabschnitt (116, 117; 216, 217; 316, 317) des Gehäuses und an dem anderen Ende mit radial sich nach außen erstreckenden ersten und zweiten Flanschen (127, 128; 227, 228; 327, 328) endet, wobei der erste Flansch an den zweiten Flansch stößt und wobei der Klemmechanismus (130) um die anstoßenden Flansche angeordnet ist.
  12. Filterzusammenbau gemäß Anspruch 8, der weiterhin eine erste begrenzende Einrichtung (123; 216, 217; 316, 317) zu dem ersten Endabschnitt des Gehäuses zum Begrenzen der axialen Ausdehnung der Hülle und der Endkappen aufweist.
  13. Filterzusammenbau gemäß Anspruch 12, bei dem die erste Endkappe eine nach außen weisende Oberfläche (113) aufweist, die im allgemeinen senkrecht zu der Achse der Hülle ist, und bei dem die erste begrenzende Einrichtung einen Endhalter (123) aufweist, der an dem ersten Endabschnitt des Gehäuses montiert ist und eine nach innen weisende Oberfläche des Endhalters aufweist, die auf die nach außen weisende Oberfläche der ersten Endkappe weist.
  14. Filterzusammenbau gemäß Anspruch 8, bei dem die erste Endkappe einen nach außen sich erstreckenden axialen Vorsprung (206, 207; 306, 307) mit einem entlang der Achse der Hülle sich kontinuierlich verringernden Durchmesser aufweist und bei dem das Gehäuse des weiteren einen nach außen sich erstreckenden axialen Vorsprung mit einem entlang der Achse der Hülle sich kontinuierlich verringernden Durchmesser aufweist, wobei der kontinuierlich sich verringernde Durchmesser des Vorsprunges des Endhalters mit dem kontinuierlich sich verringernden Durchmesser des Vorsprunges der ersten Endkappe korrespondiert.
  15. Filterzusammenbau gemäß Anspruch 1, bei dem der erste Endabschnitt des Gehäuses sich axial über den ersten Endabschnitt der Hülle erstreckt.
  16. Filterzusammenbau gemäß Anspruch 1, bei dem wenigstens eine Endkappe (104, 105) einstückig mit einem Endabschnitt der Hülle (103) gebildet ist.
  17. Filterzusammenbau gemäß Anspruch 1, bei dem mindestens eine Endkappe fest mit einem Endabschnitt der Hülle verbunden ist.
  18. Filterzusammenbau gemäß Anspruch 1, bei dem mindestens eine Endkappe (204, 205; 304, 305) gleitend mit einem Endabschnitt der Hülle (203; 303) in Eingriff ist.
  19. Filterzusammenbau gemäß Anspruch 18, bei dem ein maximaler Durchmesser der gleitenden Endkappe (204, 205) größer als ein maximaler Innendurchmesser des entsprechenden Endabschnittes (206, 207) der Hülle ist und bei dem die Endkappe eine Nuteinrichtung (231) aufweist, um eine elastische Verringerung des maximalen Durchmessers der Endkappe zu erlauben.
  20. Filterzusammenbau gemäß Anspruch 1, bei dem die Hülle (103; 203; 303) aus einem ausdehnbaren thermoplastischen Material ausgebildet ist.
  21. Filterzusammenbau gemäß Anspruch 20, bei dem das ausdehnbare thermoplastische Material ein Fluorpolymer aufweist.
  22. Filterzusammenbau gemäß Anspruch 21, bei dem das Fluorpolymer FPE oder PFA aufweist.
EP87310420A 1986-12-03 1987-11-25 Filterzusammenbau Expired - Lifetime EP0270303B1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US06/937,378 US4842737A (en) 1986-12-03 1986-12-03 Filter assembly with an expandable shell
US937378 1986-12-03

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0270303A2 EP0270303A2 (de) 1988-06-08
EP0270303A3 EP0270303A3 (en) 1989-11-15
EP0270303B1 true EP0270303B1 (de) 1994-03-30

Family

ID=25469856

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP87310420A Expired - Lifetime EP0270303B1 (de) 1986-12-03 1987-11-25 Filterzusammenbau

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US4842737A (de)
EP (1) EP0270303B1 (de)
JP (1) JPS63203579A (de)
CA (1) CA1314500C (de)
DE (1) DE3789494T2 (de)
GB (1) GB2198367B (de)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN102792384A (zh) * 2009-12-08 2012-11-21 通用生态公司 用于系统的保护壳体

Families Citing this family (38)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3815347A1 (de) * 1988-05-02 1989-11-16 Mannesmann Ag Mehrteiliger druckbehaelter
GB2233574B (en) * 1989-07-13 1993-04-14 Pall Corp Filter assembly
DE4035181A1 (de) * 1990-11-06 1992-05-07 Bosch Gmbh Robert Fluessigkeitsfilter
US5154140A (en) * 1991-01-28 1992-10-13 Aos Holding Company Centering base pad and dam
US5242588A (en) * 1991-09-26 1993-09-07 Reese Ronald K Filter unit assembly
US20020141910A1 (en) * 1992-01-07 2002-10-03 Adiletta Joseph G. Regenerable diesel exhaust filter
WO1995017939A2 (de) * 1993-12-28 1995-07-06 Mts-Produkte Gmbh Flüssigkeitsfilter
JPH10110657A (ja) * 1996-08-22 1998-04-28 Stanadyne Automot Corp 整合カートリッジ支持構造を備えたフィルター・ アセンブリイ
US5919362A (en) * 1997-04-28 1999-07-06 Cuno, Inc. Expandable encapsulated filter cartridge assembly
GB9906442D0 (en) * 1999-03-19 1999-05-12 Pall Corp Filter systems and assemblies
CA2464664C (en) * 2001-10-12 2012-02-07 Polymer & Steel Technologies Holding Company, L.L.C. Composite pressure vessel assembly and method
DE10220672B4 (de) 2002-05-10 2008-01-03 Hydraulik-Ring Gmbh Filtereinheit für einfrierende Flüssigkeiten
US20040094468A1 (en) 2002-11-20 2004-05-20 Karl Fritze Freeze resistant water filter
US20050161394A1 (en) * 2002-11-20 2005-07-28 Karl Fritze Freeze resistant water filter
DE10340123A1 (de) * 2003-08-30 2005-03-24 Mann + Hummel Gmbh Filtereinrichtung zur Flüssigkeitsfilterung
DE102004025062B4 (de) * 2004-05-18 2006-09-14 Hydraulik-Ring Gmbh Gefriertaugliches Dosierventil
DE102005007019A1 (de) * 2005-02-15 2006-08-24 Mann + Hummel Gmbh Filtersystem
US20060219626A1 (en) * 2005-02-15 2006-10-05 Mann & Hummel Gmbh Filter system with canister filter element
DE102005007024A1 (de) * 2005-02-15 2006-08-24 Mann + Hummel Gmbh Flüssigkeitsfiltersystem
DE102006003551B4 (de) * 2005-03-01 2008-09-11 Mann+Hummel Gmbh Filtereinrichtung zur Flüssigkeitsfilterung
DE102007004687B4 (de) 2007-01-25 2012-03-01 Hydraulik-Ring Gmbh Volumensmengenabgabeeinheit und Verfahren zur Kalibrierung der Druckausgangssignal-Volumensmenge-Charakteristik
DE202007010956U1 (de) * 2007-08-07 2008-12-18 Mann+Hummel Gmbh Kombinationsfilteranordnung
US8474647B2 (en) * 2008-02-08 2013-07-02 Vinjamuri Innovations, Llc Metallic liner with metal end caps for a fiber wrapped gas tank
DE102008012780B4 (de) 2008-03-05 2012-10-04 Hydraulik-Ring Gmbh Abgasnachbehandlungseinrichtung
US20090255880A1 (en) * 2008-04-14 2009-10-15 Pritchard Scott J Single use sanitary filter assembly
US9845259B2 (en) * 2009-01-03 2017-12-19 General Ecology, Inc. Apparatus for filtering and/or conditioning and/or purifying a fluid such as water
DE102009035940C5 (de) * 2009-08-03 2017-04-20 Cummins Ltd. SCR-Abgasnachbehandlungseinrichtung
WO2011015540A1 (de) 2009-08-06 2011-02-10 Basf Se Strahlungshärtbare wasserdispergierbare polyurethane und polyurethandispersionen
EP2283907A1 (de) * 2009-08-11 2011-02-16 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Flüssigkeitsreinigungsanordnung mit einem funktionellen Teil und einem Gehäuse
JP2013510712A (ja) 2009-11-12 2013-03-28 ドナルドソン カンパニー,インコーポレイティド 凍結環境用の液体フィルタ構造
GB2477942B (en) * 2010-02-18 2012-07-04 Icon Technology Systems Ltd Water filters
DE102010027069B3 (de) * 2010-07-13 2012-02-23 Mann + Hummel Gmbh Harnstoff-Wasser-Lösung-Filtersystem
DE102010061222B4 (de) 2010-12-14 2015-05-07 Cummins Ltd. SCR-Abgasnachbehandlungseinrichtung
DE102011089511A1 (de) 2011-12-22 2013-06-27 Mahle International Gmbh Kraftstofffilter
JP5111678B1 (ja) * 2012-06-04 2013-01-09 イースタン技研株式会社 フィルタ装置
ES2793941T3 (es) 2015-01-06 2020-11-17 A L Filter Co Ltd Filtro de líquido resistente al congelamiento
JP6475077B2 (ja) * 2015-05-14 2019-02-27 トヨタ自動車株式会社 圧力容器のライナーの製造方法
EP3928839A3 (de) * 2020-06-02 2022-03-16 Dräger Safety AG & Co. KGaA Filtereinheit mit einem starren filter und einer flexiblen ummantelung sowie verfahren zur herstellung eines solchen filters

Family Cites Families (41)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB522261A (en) * 1937-12-10 1940-06-13 Mercier Jean Improvements in hydraulic accumulators adapted for use on aircraft
US2212647A (en) * 1939-07-08 1940-08-27 Corliss D Nugent Pressure filter
US2273210A (en) * 1940-07-22 1942-02-17 Ruth C Donaldson Device for detachably clamping cylindrical sections together
DE904663C (de) * 1950-05-06 1954-02-22 Siemens Ag Schaltungsanordnung fuer Fernmeldeanlagen, insbesondere Fernsprechanlagen mit Anrufsuchern
DE957014C (de) * 1953-10-29 1957-01-24 Ehrenreich & Cie A Hydraulischer Durchlaufdruckspeicher
US2855103A (en) * 1956-11-30 1958-10-07 Hastings Mfg Co Filter cartridge
NL101977C (de) * 1959-12-18
US3147220A (en) * 1960-07-18 1964-09-01 Theodore P Avery Filter
US3270884A (en) * 1963-06-27 1966-09-06 Boeing Co Dual valve, dual element fluid filter assembly
FR1437838A (fr) * 1965-06-11 1966-05-06 Filtre comportant un dispositif de nettoyage automatique pour tous fluides
US3357163A (en) * 1965-06-14 1967-12-12 Ford Motor Co Air cleaner assembly for tractors
US3366246A (en) * 1965-09-01 1968-01-30 Nat Instr Lab Inc Ultrafiltration apparatus
US3400825A (en) * 1966-08-22 1968-09-10 Frank R. Shippey Desalination cell with osmotic membrane element
US3405805A (en) * 1966-12-19 1968-10-15 Robert F. Hatter Filter
US3557827A (en) * 1967-10-31 1971-01-26 Robert E Marsh Pressure vessel for water conditioner assembly
DE1761353A1 (de) * 1968-05-08 1971-05-19 Hansa Metallwerke Ag Filtertrockner,insbesondere fuer Kaelteanlagen
FR2034090A1 (en) * 1969-01-08 1970-12-11 Applic Techn Conti High pressure oxygen filter
US3583907A (en) * 1969-07-16 1971-06-08 Monsanto Co Elongated capillary dialyzer
US3605815A (en) * 1969-11-12 1971-09-20 Kenneth J Von Forell Pressure accumulator
US3745753A (en) * 1970-04-27 1973-07-17 United Filtration Corp Air cleaner
US3679055A (en) * 1970-07-15 1972-07-25 Polymetrics Inc Reverse osmosis water purifier
BE791684A (fr) * 1971-11-22 1973-03-16 Ogden Hubert S Cartouche filtrante amovible
US3890236A (en) * 1974-01-14 1975-06-17 Water Inc Ag Filter structure
GB1544508A (en) * 1975-04-04 1979-04-19 Millipore Corp Filtration apparatus
DE2538433C2 (de) * 1975-08-29 1981-09-24 Aeg Isolier- Und Kunststoff Gmbh, 3500 Kassel Druckbehälter
DE2547904C2 (de) * 1975-10-25 1985-08-08 Robert Bosch Gmbh, 7000 Stuttgart Verfahren zum Herstellen eines Filtergehäuses
US4219426A (en) * 1976-03-19 1980-08-26 Organon Teknika B.V. Dialysis device
US4062781A (en) * 1976-06-04 1977-12-13 Whatman Reeve Angel Limited Disposable filter with interchangeable end elements
GB1574998A (en) * 1977-10-03 1980-09-17 Ambic Dairy Equip Filter assemblies
US4378293A (en) * 1978-04-04 1983-03-29 Duke Don T Water filter
GB2077137B (en) * 1980-03-12 1983-09-07 Asahi Chemical Ind Granulocyte-separating material and granulocyte separator
US4404103A (en) * 1981-11-05 1983-09-13 Drath Edwin H Rocking swivel hose connectors and method
US4482456A (en) * 1982-09-13 1984-11-13 Rainsoft Water Conditioning Company Reverse osmosis liquid treating apparatus
US4432393A (en) * 1982-12-20 1984-02-21 Chicago Fluid Power Corp. Accumulator
US4575422A (en) * 1983-02-25 1986-03-11 Zimmer Cornelius P Paper roll filter structure
US4650586A (en) * 1983-09-26 1987-03-17 Kinetico, Inc. Fluid treatment system
US4505816A (en) * 1984-01-30 1985-03-19 The Dow Chemical Company Filter support assembly
US4617117A (en) * 1984-07-20 1986-10-14 Hayward Pool Products, Inc. Housing assembly with removable jacked cover
US4595497A (en) * 1984-07-23 1986-06-17 Burrows Bruce D Purified water reverse osmosis reservoir
US4678577A (en) * 1985-08-27 1987-07-07 Kennecott Corporation Seamless vessel for self contained filter assembly
GB2181967B (en) * 1985-10-02 1989-09-27 Boc Health Care Scavenging and filtration apparatus

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN102792384A (zh) * 2009-12-08 2012-11-21 通用生态公司 用于系统的保护壳体

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2198367B (en) 1991-04-17
DE3789494T2 (de) 1994-07-14
DE3789494D1 (de) 1994-05-05
GB8727587D0 (en) 1987-12-31
US4842737A (en) 1989-06-27
GB2198367A (en) 1988-06-15
EP0270303A2 (de) 1988-06-08
EP0270303A3 (en) 1989-11-15
JPS63203579A (ja) 1988-08-23
CA1314500C (en) 1993-03-16

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0270303B1 (de) Filterzusammenbau
US4839048A (en) Container for pressurized fluid
US5605625A (en) Filter assembly
US6110368A (en) Fluid processing apparatus
US4609465A (en) Filter cartridge with a connector seal
EP0929355B1 (de) Anordnung mit sich ausdehnbarer, eingeschlossener filterkartusche
US3696932A (en) Disposable filter assembly
US4871455A (en) Filter assembly with lockable lug means
JP2710443B2 (ja) フィルタカートリッジ
KR20110102423A (ko) 밀봉구를 포함하는 유체 필터 조립체
EP1202786A1 (de) Filteranordnung mit einer rückspülbaren filterpatrone
CA2136296A1 (en) Dual-flow filter assembly with a center-tube sealing grommet
US6156198A (en) Filter element for a fluid filter
US4680118A (en) Pleated and sealed filter cartridge with connected film
US4170556A (en) Filter elements and filter assemblies with thermal seal
CA1080130A (en) Pharmaceutical filter
CA2285288A1 (en) Filter cartridge and filter arrangement
US6103120A (en) Fluid processing apparatus
US4880536A (en) Filter assembly of a manifold, mounting ring and filter housing
EP3233242B1 (de) Gehäuse für ein filterelement, verfahren zur verwendung und herstellung
WO2021091691A1 (en) Filter with improved fluid flow
CA2418188A1 (en) High strength, spin-0n filter
US20030146142A1 (en) High strength, spin-on filter
WO2002041964A2 (en) Fluid filtration assemblies and core elements therefor

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): DE FR IT

PUAL Search report despatched

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A3

Designated state(s): DE FR IT

RHK1 Main classification (correction)

Ipc: F17C 1/16

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19900419

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19910531

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): DE FR IT

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 3789494

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19940505

ITF It: translation for a ep patent filed
ET Fr: translation filed
PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed
PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 19981110

Year of fee payment: 12

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 19981207

Year of fee payment: 12

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20000731

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20000901

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES;WARNING: LAPSES OF ITALIAN PATENTS WITH EFFECTIVE DATE BEFORE 2007 MAY HAVE OCCURRED AT ANY TIME BEFORE 2007. THE CORRECT EFFECTIVE DATE MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE RECORDED.

Effective date: 20051125